Since addressing fertility through lifestyle can be challenging, I wanted to share about some easier fixes you can put into place outside of fertility acupuncture appointments. Reducing xenoestrogens for fertility can really go a long way.
What are xenoestrogens?
Xenoestrogens are compounds that look like estrogen. Your body uses them like estrogen, but their action is stronger than the action estrogen. These compounds are toxic, and can really interfere with fertility.
You’ll find xenoestrogens in the three P’s: pesticides, plastics, and parabens (preservatives in cosmestics).
Why should I reduce xenoestrogens for fertility?
The most common cause of fertility challenges is egg and sperm quality. While egg and sperm quality declines with age, there’s a lot that can be done to improve their quality. Xenoestrogens can contribute to the lower quality of eggs and sperm.
These toxic compounds also interfere with healthy hormone balance, which is another key aspect of fertility.
Reducing plastic use
Let me start by saying that I’m not suggesting you should aim for perfection. Every little change can make a difference.
When it comes to the effect of plastics in fertility, most of the concerns are around food and beverage packaging. Many plastic packages contain BPA, but even BPA-free options contain other equally disruptive compounds.
Use a stainless steel or glass bottle for beverages on the go whenever possible. Bringing a stainless steel travel mug with you to the coffeeshop will also be beneficial, since most paper cups are plastic lined to make them waterproof.
When packaging your leftovers, consider also using glass or stainless steel food containers. Glass is an economical option, but stainless steel containers are usually lighter. In a pinch, I also use 500mL mason jars to store my food.
Beeswax wraps are also a useful tool to reduce your use of plastic wrap and plastic snack bags.
Understanding pesticides
The idea of completely eliminating your exposure to pesticides isn’t realistic. Instead, it’s important to understand where you’ll be able to reduce your exposure to them.
In Canada, organic produce can still be exposed to select pesticides which usually have a smaller toxic load than conventional produce. Organic is still often a better option than conventional.
When organic produce isn’t an option, whether that’s because of availability or finances, understanding where pesticides are most used will be beneficial. The Environmental Working Group publishes an annual list of the Clean Fifteen, the produce least contaminated by pesticides. It also has a Dirty Dozen list of the most contaminated produce.
Washing your produce under running water will also help remove some of the pesticide residue. This is more effective than soaking produce.
Managing paraben exposure
Parabens are present in many bodycare and scented products. This includes anything from your handsoap to your moisturizer and your cosmetics. Scented candles and scent diffusers like Air Wick can also be disruptive to your hormones and egg and sperm health.
The Environmental Working Group keeps the Skin Deep Database, which has ratings of a large variety of bodycare and housecare products and ingredients.
If you’d like to learn of other ways to support your fertility outside of medical interventions, register to get the free fertility guide!